Thousands of people visit the central coast for Monterey Car Week

Thousands of people from around the world roll into town for car week. The California Highway Patrol said it’s prepared for a lot of brake lights near the Monterey Peninsula. News Channel 5 spoke to tourists in town and CHP about what plans they have to minimize the delays.

“We came from New Jersey and to see the smiles and the excitement on his face he’s like a kid in Disney World so it’s definitely worth it, it’s definitely great,” said Lisa Meltzer-Press. Press is talking about her husband Bryan. She brought him to the Peninsula to celebrate his 60th birthday at car week.
“I’ve been looking forward to this all year and I’m really glad to be here and I can’t wait to go up to the top and see the cork screw,” said Bryan Press.

The couple was excited to come to Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca to see the race cars speed around the track well over 100 mph. The track is right next to highway 68, where CHP said drivers will likely see more cars on the road this coming week. Just last year, 85,000 people attended car week, and like the Press family, 50 percent were from outside Montery County. CHP wants to remind residents in the area to prepare for delays.

“Plan ahead for this busy weekend that’s coming up. Plan a different route, if you don’t have to leave your home maybe plan for the following week after this is all done,” said Officer Jose Chavez.

CHP will have extra patrols on Highway 68, Highway 1, and Carmel Valley starting Monday. Officers will be at event locations, directing traffic to minimize delays. As for Press and his wife, they don’t mind the traffic as long as they get to the traffic and are close enough to see the cars and hear the engines.

“What you’re seeing is automotive technological art at its best,” said Bryan Press. After 40 years of marriage Lisa Press said she’s become pretty fond of race cars too.
“Not as much as he is ha ha. We’ve been married almost 40 years so I’m PC.” said Press.

Next weekend Pebble Beach will host the Conquers D’ Elegance event where car lovers can see modern super cars For more visit: http://www.montereycarweek.com/